Five who have beaten hardship to help others

A foster mother who cares for sick children and a Timaru man who supports community groups are among this year's Kiwi Battler nominees.

Five Cantabrians are in the running for the national awards, which honour those who have overcome hardship to contribute to their community.

They were selected from more than 400 nominations across New Zealand.

A public vote will decide the regional winners, and overall victor.

Matthew Truman, Dulcie Doubleday, Josh South, Robyn McCallum or Graham Dellow could win $10,000 for their charity, and $1000 for themselves, in the regional section. The overall winner will receive $20,000 for their charity and $2000 for themselves.

Dellow was nominated for his tireless volunteer work in Timaru, despite losing an arm to cancer. He helps CCS Disability Action South Canterbury, the Cancer Society and Neighbourhood Support.

McCallum was nominated for her devotion to sick and young foster children, even as she battled breast cancer.

Swimming coach Josh South is a motivational speaker for the young and disabled, having overcome childhood cancer that took a leg.

Doubleday, 77, was nominated for her work as president of the ladies division of the Rangiora Returned and Services' Association, looking after blood-bank donors, and knitting toys and blankets for needy children.

Truman was left partially blind by a brain tumour when he was 14, but became national president of Canteen.

The awards are funded by the Morgan Foundation, with support from the police and newspapers, including The Press.